Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Basil Hayden

We taste Basil Hayden, a now-popular bourbon from Beam-Suntory that once struggled to find its footing among old-school drinkers.

OVERALL RATING

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Basil Hayden

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Nose:
, followed by figgy pudding, stewed plums, and cinnamon, highlighting a very slight pepper and punch. A spiced, minty, delicate nose to be sure. Baking spice and Christmas scents are present, but do not overwhelm the light body. The dram is silky, with roasted pear, baked walnut-stuffed apples, and baking spice warming the front of the
Palate:
. Neither corn, oak, or char pull Basil Hayden in one particular direction, making for an incredibly balanced drinking experience. A very soft, smooth mouth feel is rounded out by cinnamon and golden raisin. Both complex and balanced, the bourbon’s high rye mash bill doesn’t overwhelm it, rather making for a nuanced flavor profile. The finish is vegetal, with celery and savory polenta present. A short, not too sweet finish. Again very soft and light. Conclusion: Altogether soft and balanced, but with depth, I can imagine Basil Hayden having a very wide appeal, especially to newer whiskey drinkers. Score: 91/100 [graphiq id=”2P67E5xJNbL” title=”Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Whiskey Overview ” width=”700″ height=”514″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/2P67E5xJNbL” link=”https://whiskey.underthelabel.com/l/461/Basil-Hayden-s-Bourbon-Whiskey” link_text=”Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Whiskey Overview | UnderTheLabel”]
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Savannah Weinstock

Savannah Weinstock is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where her Environmental Studies thesis delved into the intersection of Scotch Whisky, sustainability, and the commodification of nature and culture. During her thesis research, she spent time living and studying in Glasgow, Scotland, visiting and interviewing distilleries across the country, with a particular focus on the Hebridean Isles. Savannah is currently immersed in the industry, gaining firsthand experience with whiskey, spirits, and cocktails on a daily basis.

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